Key Takeaways:
- Devotees are offering arghya to the setting sun as Chhath reaches its main ritual
- The four-day festival is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya
- The concluding sunrise offering will take place on Monday morning
- Chhath is celebrated widely across Madhesh and increasingly in other parts of Nepal
- National leaders have extended greetings and highlighted the festival’s role in promoting social harmony and respect for nature
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 15
Devotees across the Mithila region and other parts of Nepal are offering arghya to the setting sun on Sunday evening as Chhath, one of the country’s most significant festivals dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, reaches its main phase.
The evening ritual, known in Mithila as Sajhiyaarakh or Sajhiyaghat, draws thousands of devotees to rivers, ponds and other water bodies, where they offer fruits, coconuts, traditional sweets and other items while praying for the health, prosperity and well-being of their families.
The ceremony follows the earlier Nahay-Khay and Kharana rituals. After completing Kharana on Saturday night, devotees observe a waterless fast before making offerings to the setting sun.
Families prepare traditional festival foods, including thekua and bhusuwa, while devotees gather at Chhath ghats to sing devotional songs and participate in community worship. Many spend the night near the water before returning at dawn on Monday for the final offering to the rising sun.
The concluding ritual, known as Bhoraka Arakh or Paaran, marks the end of the four-day festival.
Traditionally observed across Madhesh Province, Chhath has expanded far beyond its original cultural base and is now celebrated in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Leaders extend greetings
On the occasion, President Ramchandra Paudel said the festival promotes social harmony, environmental awareness, respect for nature and the preservation of indigenous cultural traditions.
In a message of goodwill, the President noted that Chhath has evolved into a national cultural celebration observed by people of diverse communities and expressed hope that it would contribute to greater social unity and the elimination of discrimination.
Vice-President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav described Chhath as a cultural tradition that strengthens social harmony and shared national identity across the Himalayas, hills and Madhesh.
He said the festival encourages gratitude toward nature, self-discipline, patience and devotion while helping preserve traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa also extended greetings, saying the festival conveys messages of respect for nature, gratitude and social harmony.